ZWELETHEMBA – The Vusisizwe Secondary School (VSS) choir has made history by achieving third place at the prestigious South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) National Championships. This is the first time the choir has competed at national level, and their success has filled the Zwelethemba community with pride and joy.
After seven years of consistently finishing second in the provincial round, the VSS choir finally broke through to the national stage. Their journey began with a stunning performance at the Artscape Theatre Centre, where they won the provincial title with their mixed voices rendition of “Never Again”.
The choir also earned a second-place finish in the female voice category with their performance of “My Friend”.
Their provincial victory earned the choir two trophies and a total of R190 000 in prize money, including a R20 000 contribution from the district’s Department of Education.
On 6 July the choir departed for Johannesburg, where they competed against the best school choirs from across the country at Rhema Bible Church.
VSS choir coordinator Nthabiseng Malinga attributed their success to years of hard work and dedication.
“We have been rehearsing over weekends, after school and during holidays,” she said. “This year we were determined to be crowned the champions.”
The school’s principal, Mlungisi Bushwana, expressed confidence in the choir’s ability to excel at national level, especially under the guidance of a very talented conductor, Sinethemba Gqola.
“We are fortunate to have such an experienced and passionate music maestro moulding our young talent,” he said.
Prominent local chorister and businessman Mpelo Sikhwatha praised the choir’s accomplishment, calling it a proud moment for Vusisizwe and the Zwelethemba community. “This achievement shows that anything is possible when we work together,” he remarked.
On 10 July the VSS choir returned home to a hero’s welcome, with fans and parents in the streets of Zwelethemba to celebrate their third-place finish.
Despite the rainy and windy weather, the community’s spirits were high as they cheered the choir’s parade.
“This is what our spirits needed,” said one parent in the motorcade. “Although a lot is going on in our community, today we are united in celebrating this remarkable achievement.”
VSS choir coordinator Malinga expressed her pride in the choir’s performance and commended Sinethemba Gqola for his outstanding leadership.
The choir’s success has not only lifted the spirits of the Vusisizwe community, but has also inspired hope and unity.
The VSS choir’s journey to the national stage is a testament to their dedication, talent, and the unwavering support of their school and community. Their achievement will be remembered for years to come.
